RESEARCH PROPOSAL FOR MPHIL/PHD STUDIES

2008/09

TITLE OF RESEARCH

The topic of my research pertains to the study of the theoretical and institutional
development of Islamic Astronomy in the 14th century. By ‘theoretical development’ I
mean the development of ideas, concepts and theories in astronomy. We know very well
that in classical Islamic civilization, astronomy was treated as a branch of mathematics.
This means that many astronomical ideas are mathematical in nature. And by
‘institutional development’ I mean the development of institutions like the observatory
where various activities related to astronomy were carried out by scientists. These
activities appear to be well integrated and inter-disciplinary. These include observations
of the stars and planets, group research, lecture halls, and library facilities.

I intend to focus on the development of mathematical astronomy during the century. I like
the idea of exploring the astronomical ideas of Qutb al-Din al-Shirazi (1236-1311),
especially his models of planetary systems. The Maraghah Observatory with which Qutb
al-Din was associated seemed to fit into the kind of institution mentioned above.

REMARKS ON FIELD OF RESEARCH

History of Islamic Astronomy is an important field of study. For about 8 centuries,

from the 8th century to the 15th century, Islam led the world in the field of science in
which astronomy is one of the most important branches. This field has attracted great
interest among many modern scholars and researchers. However, most of these studies
are concentrated on the early centuries of Islam. In fact, there is a belief among students
and scholars of science in Islamic civilization that after the 11 th century, this science
including astronomy declined and never recovered from that decline.

Contrary to the above view, several researchers and scholars such as George
Saliba and David King have shown that Islamic Astronomy had made great progress
beyond the 11th century. Saliba for example believes that the 14th century may be regarded
as the golden age of Islamic Astronomy. With these claims and counterclaims, I am
interested in conducting a more detailed study of the historical development of Islamic
Astronomy in the 14th century including the development of astronomical instruments and
the relationship between astronomy and mathematics. I am also interested in the
relationship between astronomy and religion, especially Islam, and its contribution to the
development of astronomy, including modern western astronomy.
OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH

1) To help provide a more accurate picture of the state of Islamic Astronomy in the
14th century.

2) To know the different forces that shape and influence the development of Islamic
astronomy during the century.

3) To study the institutionalization of Islamic astronomy during the century. Among

others, I would like to identify the different institutions connected with astronomy
and to trace their historical developments.

4) To study the importance of patronage as a factor of progress in Islamic

Astronomy.

5) To study the possible influence of Islamic astronomy on the development of

modern western astronomy including the influence of the most significant Muslim
astronomers in history, namely, Nasir al-Din al-Tusi, Qutb al-Din and Ibn Shatyr
on one of the greatest western astronomers, Copernicus.

METHODOLOGY

The research involves mainly library work where I will be studying writings on the
subject and also visits to historical observatories around the world that have been widely
recognized by modern scholars and researchers for their heritage conservation in Islamic
Astronomy’s history. In particular, I may need to look closely at one of the astronomical
writings of Qutb al-Din most relevant to my topic of research. At this stage, I am not yet
decided on which of his many writings on astronomy I intend to study.

SIGNIFICANCE OF RESEARCH

1) The results of my study will benefit Muslims in Malaysia and in other countries
because we will be able to understand better how science and particularly astronomy had
progressed in Islam in the past. This knowledge of the past can help us to think positively
about how Muslims today can again progress in science and technology.

2) Since Malaysia is interested in developing space science in the future, it is important

that all related fields are also developed. We know astronomy is one of these related
fields, therefore I hope to contribute ideas to the future development of astronomy in
Malaysia.
2) The field of astronomical studies will benefit from the kind of research I am
conducting. I believe that studies of history of science are important to the development
of science itself. History of astronomy is an important part of the general history of
science. The history of modern western astronomy has been influenced a lot by the
development of Islamic astronomy in the 14th century. Therefore, my study also helps us
to understand better the contribution of Islam to modern science.

3) This research will help me a lot in teaching the subject of history of science in Islamic
civilization at the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur.

REFERENCES

Bakar, Osman, Classification of Knowledge in Islam (Cambridge: Islamic Texts Society,

1998)

King David, Astronomy in the Service of Islam (Variorum Collected Studies, 1993)

King David, Spherical Astronomy in Medieval Islam: The Hakimi zij of Ibn Yunus
(Studies in Islamic Philosophy and Science, 1976)

Nasr, Seyyed Hossein, An Introduction to Islamic Cosmological Doctrines (Cambridge:

Harvard University Press, 1964)

Nasr, Seyyed Hossein, Islamic Science (An Illustrated Study, London: World of Islam
Festival Publishing Co., Thorsons Publisher Ltd., 1976)

Rashed, Roshdi, Encyclopedia of the History of Arabic Science (Taylor & Francis Books
Ltd, 1996)

Saliba, George, History of Arabic Astronomy: Planetary Theories during the Golden Age
of Islam: Planetary Theories during the Golden Age of Islam (New York University
Studies in Near Eastern Civilization, 1995)

Sezgin, Fuat, Mathematical Geography and Cartography in Islam and their Continuation
in the Occident (Translated by Guy Moore and Geoff Sammon), (Volumes 1-III, 2005)